Outstanding 32/64-bit price/performance in a rack-dense 1U, 2-way server for HPC applications

Sales Guide

August 2003

IBM ^325

Product Overview

CONTENTS

Product Overview . . . . . . . . 1

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Key Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

e325 Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

e325 Specifications . . . . . . . 9

Selling Features . . . . . . . . . 11

Easy Configurator . . . . . . . 12

Product Positioning . . . . . 14

Competitive Analysis . . . . 14

For More Information . . . . 18

Legal Information . . . . . . . . 18

Groundbreaking 32/64-bit performance in a 1U server

[Target Customers: Businesses requiring a High-Performance Computing server with 32-bit (and, optionally, 64-bit) capabilities in a space-constrained data center, or Scientific/Technical computing clusters.]

In today’s world, replacing hardware is expensive. The challenge for your customers is to stretch their IT dollars as far as possible. The 2-wayIBM ^325 lets them do exactly that by offering affordable 32-bit computing today with growth to 64-bit computing when needed. It supports the latest AMD Opteron processors with HyperTransport technology. HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, point-to-point link between the processor and the memory, graphics and I/O controllers that provides outstanding performance by bypassing many key bottlenecks that afflict other processor architectures. Opteron is capable of running both 32-bit and 64-bit software with blazing performance. This provides customers with the flexibility to start with 32-bit applications and grow to 64-bit software over time, without having to replace their servers to do so. In fact, using a 64-bit operating system, both 32-bit and 64-bit applications can be run concurrently.

In addition, the e325 uses leading-edge industry-standard ECC (Error Checking and Correcting) PC2700 333MHz double data rate (DDR) memory with Chipkill™ technology—for high performance and reliability. Dual integrated Gigabit Ethernet1 controllers are standard, providing high-speed data transfers and saving valuable adapter slots.

All models offer impressive scalability for a 1U server, including dual-processor support, up to 12GB of memory and two high-performance hard disk drives with an internal storage capacity of up to 293.6GB2 (hot-swapSCSI) or 240GB (fixed IDE). The built-in SCSI controller supports RAID-1mirroring. Additional RAID support is available via the optional IBM ServeRAID™ family of Ultra160 and Ultra320 SCSI controllers. The ultradense 1U form factor allows businesses to increase their computing power and spread their workload without outgrowing their current data center. Up to 42 of these servers can be installed in a single 42U rack, for a total of up to 84 processors, offering your customers tremendous deployment flexibility. Optional Advanced Connectivity Technology (ACT) interconnect cabling technology minimizes cable clutter, reduces cable ost and minimizes installation time when cabling many e325 servers in a single rack.

Standard in the e325 is an integrated systems management controller, optimized for HPC cluster manageability, that enables the user to manage and control the server easily—both locally and remotely. These advanced features help maximize application availability by increasing server uptime, as do hot-swap redundant HDDs and variable speed fans.

With the inclusion of unique manageability features, such as IBM Director and support for the optional IBM Remote Supervisor Adapter II (both planned for Q4/03) the e325 is designed for superior uptime. In addition, IBM Cluster Systems Management can help to reduce the total cost of ownership for cluster environments by streamlining and simplifying the management of large numbers of servers from a single point of control.

If your customer needs leading-edge 32-bit performance in a 1U rack-optimized package, with the added power of 64-bit computing, at a much lower cost than Itanium 2 servers currently offer—and without replacing hardware, the e325 is the ideal system. To illustrate, in the SPECfp_rate2000 benchmark3, the e325 (in a dual AMD Opteron 246 processor configuration)

1Actual data transfer speed will vary and is often less than the maximum possible. Gigabit Ethernet transfer speed requires support on both system and server, and appropriate network infrastructure.

2GB equals 1,000,000,000 bytes when referring to hard disk drive capacity. Accessible capacity may be less.

3HP DL360 results: http://www.spec.org/cpu2000/results/res2003q3/cpu2000-20030630-02353.html;HP rx2600 results: http://www.spec.org/cpu2000/results/res2003q3/cpu2000-20030630-02322.html; IBM ^325 results will be available as of

IBM Confidential

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IBM 325 specifications Ibm, Product Overview
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325 specifications

The IBM 325, introduced in the early 1970s, was a notable member of IBM's family of computer systems that aimed to improve business efficiency and computational capabilities. It was part of the System/3 series, designed for small to medium-sized businesses that required a robust yet manageable computing environment. The IBM 325 is often recognized for its versatility, user-friendly operation, and advanced technologies for its time.

One of the main features of the IBM 325 was its modular design, which allowed businesses to expand their systems as their needs grew. This flexibility made the IBM 325 appealing for various industries, enabling organizations to tailor their computing resources to fit specific requirements. The system supported a range of input and output devices, enhancing its functionality and making it adaptable for different business processes.

The IBM 325 was equipped with a powerful processor that provided efficient data processing capabilities. It supported batch processing, enabling businesses to handle large volumes of transactions effectively. The system could manage multiple users simultaneously, making it suitable for environments where several operations needed to be performed at once.

One of the standout technologies used in the IBM 325 was its magnetic core memory, which ensured fast access and reliable data storage. This memory type was known for its durability and performance, characteristics crucial for business operations that required constant uptime and quick data retrieval. Additionally, the system utilized advanced disk storage technology, allowing users to maintain significant data sets without the risk of loss or corruption.

Another important aspect of the IBM 325 was its software ecosystem. It supported various programs tailored to accounting, inventory management, and data processing. The software was designed to be intuitive, ensuring that employees could quickly adapt to the system without extensive training. This user-friendly interface contributed to smoother business operations and increased productivity.

In summary, the IBM 325 was a significant asset for companies in the 1970s, combining modular design, advanced processing power, reliable memory technology, and an easy-to-use software environment. Its ability to adapt to the needs of growing businesses while offering efficient solutions made it a cherished tool in the world of computing. As businesses navigated the early days of digital technology, the IBM 325 provided a bridge to more advanced systems that would emerge in the following decades.
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